While most people can tolerate coffee on an empty stomach, anyone who has a tendency to acid reflux or other digestive issues may struggle. Caffeine increases stomach acid production, which can feel more pronounced if you have not eaten recently. It can also lead to increase frequency of bowel motions, which could be a problem on a long run or intense workout. However, in most cases, the only side effect will be heartburn, belching or increased indigestion- annoying but not dangerous. That said, if you are regularly suffering from acid reflux symptoms or if you are experiencing unexpected symptoms when working out, it's important to speak to your doctor and get checked over.
Physician and Co-Founder at Midwest Anesthesia and Pain Specialists
Answered 3 months ago
For most people it's totally fine to drink coffee on an empty stomach before morning workouts. I say most people because there are always exceptions, which I'll go over. Firstly, though, it can be beneficial to drink coffee before working out because it can help increase alertness, reduce the perceived intensity of effort/exertion, and improve endurance. Coffee is a diuretic, but only mildly, so it's not a huge concern as long as you're hydrating properly before, during, and after your workout. Some people like having their caffeine fix while working out, instead of before. This is totally fine, too. But most benefits of caffeine won't kick in until about 20-30 minutes after consuming it. Caffeine during a workout might help with a long session, but for a short session, you might miss out on the benefits. Either way, it's still totally fine to drink coffee during a workout, as long as you actually feel good while doing it. I think people who don't do well with coffee, in general, would also not do well before or during a workout. Beyond that, it's relatively safe. As far as exceptions and precautions go, there are some worth pointing out. If you are known to react negatively to caffeine in any way, then it's obviously not a good idea to start taking it during workouts. If you have GERD, for example, or any history of acid reflux, ulcers, or gastritis, taking coffee on an empty stomach may cause some discomfort or irritation, let alone doing it while physically exerting. If caffeine tends to make you dizzy or nauseous, it may also not be a good idea to drink coffee while working out. Additionally, caffeine can prompt anxiety in some people, which could make a workout more stressful than it otherwise would be. Since coffee contains caffeine, it could prompt anxiety in some people. Caffeinated drinks also contribute to outright insomnia in some people, and they decrease sleep quality in most people when consumed before bed time, so it might make sense to skip the coffee if you workout in the late afternoon or evening. Lastly, caffeine does need some getting used to, so if you're not drinking coffee habitually in the first place, I would think twice before suddenly making it a workout habit. I would also like to point out that drinking coffee might not be ideal for all kinds of exercise. It also depends on why you're working out. Some people do a couple of reps for relaxation. In those cases, a jolt of caffeine might defeat the purpose. mwpain.com
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant, and it can be great for exercise performance. The downside here is that coffee is also acidic, and taking it on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining. Basically, the solution here is moderation. it should be in moderate quantities, not more than a teacup for a session of exercise, but should be totally avoided in people with conditions like acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, anxiety issues and other heart problems
Coffee Boosts Morning Workout Performance The active ingredient in coffee is caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that we've studied a lot. That's been to get your mind to work in your favor, firing up your central nervous system like never before and giving you ridiculous focus, faster reaction times, and more endurance. For people who are exercising with EAT, this means potentially a better exercise intensity and duration, particularly in cardiovascular and HIIT types of workouts. Studies consistently demonstrate that caffeine can boost performance when consumed approximately 30 to 60 minutes before exercise. This effect is so consistent that it's acknowledged even by sports medicine groups and athletic performance standards. For those who like to train fast earlier, too, black coffee offers a clean energy boost without the extra calories and can even essentially serve as a pre-workout. Just be sure to chase it with some water as well.
It is generally safe if you are a healthy individual and tolerate it well. For those with conditions like gastritis, GERD, heart problems, or hypertension, I would advise caution
Neuroscientist | Scientific Consultant in Physics & Theoretical Biology | Author & Co-founder at VMeDx
Answered 3 months ago
Good Day, The stomach may react to the acid by way of acid reflux, nausea, or stomach cramps especially if you have a sensitive digestive system or past of gastritis. In that case we would go for a lighter roast, add more water, or eat something small. Also caffeine will raise heart rate and blood pressure so if you have arrhythmias or hypertension be very careful. One cup is usually enough going beyond that may not be what your body needs. Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust as you see fit. If you decide to use this quote, I'd love to stay connected! Feel free to reach me at gregorygasic@vmedx.com and outreach@vmedx.com.
Drinking coffee before a morning workout is a very common ritual for many. I often enjoy a cup before my morning workout, but the big question is, is it okay on an empty stomach? From my own experience and research, it is safe for most healthy individuals. Caffeine can really give you that extra boost that you are looking for; it can help to sharpen your focus and can get you going in the early mornings. Adding something extra to your workout. But not every person is the same, and everyone's body is uniquely different. Some complain about heartburn or jitters if they have coffee on an empty stomach. Some people say it just doesn't sit right, and instead of increasing their energy makes them feel anxious, taking away from their focus. The thing is, everyone should listen to their bodies; there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to coffee. If you want to give it a go, then start with half a cup, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout your workout, as coffee can increase urine production, and if not careful, can lead to feeling dehydrated (very rare). If you do feel any jitters, combine it with a light snack like a banana. There is no right or wrong here; what it comes down to is finding what fuels your body.
I've tried drinking coffee before my morning workouts and personally, it can be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, coffee gives that nice boost of energy that can really amplify your session. However, on an empty stomach, it can sometimes lead to feeling jittery or even a bit nauseous. What I found out is that it depends a lot on how your body specifically reacts to caffeine. If you decide to have coffee before hitting the gym, start with a smaller amount to see how you cope with it. It might also help to add a little food, like a banana or a slice of toast, to buffer the effects of the caffeine. Always stay hydrated, because coffee tends to dehydrate, and when you're sweating on top of that, you could get dried out faster than usual. Remember, everyone's different, so what works for one might not be ideal for you. So, take it slow and see how your body reacts.